EU EOM long-term observers deployed to the field

27/06/2017 - 15:09

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The 30 long-term observers of the EU EOM Kenya 2017 deployed to 13 locations around the country today (27 June) to begin the mission’s long-term observation of the general elections, scheduled for 8 August. They will be operating in 15 teams of two to observe all aspects of the electoral process

The EU EOM to Kenya 2017 deployed teams of observers to 13 locations around the country today (27 June) to begin the mission’s long-term observation of the general elections, scheduled for 8 August.

The mission’s Deputy Chief Observer, Hannah Roberts, said: “We are sending 15 teams, each with two members, to observe all aspects of the electoral process. They will be following the campaigning and meeting election officials and stakeholders up to and beyond election day, and sending their findings back to our team of experts based in Nairobi.”

The Chief Observer of the EU EOM, Marietje Schaake, a Member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands, will arrive in Kenya on Thursday 29 June for a series of meetings with officials, candidates and other stakeholders, culminating in a press conference officially launching the EU EOM on Monday 3 July.

The EU was invited by the Kenyan authorities to observe the elections and will be assessing all aspects of the electoral process, including the legal framework, the election administration, voter registration, candidate nomination, respect for fundamental freedoms, access to and conduct of the media, voting, and the counting and transmission of results. The mission will remain beyond election day to observe the complaints and petitions process.

The long-term observers will be reinforced around election day by 32 short-term observers, a delegation of 7 Members of the European Parliament and representatives of EU embassies.